Nicole

Umaga pa lang ay madilim na ang kalangitan, nagbabadya iyon ng matinding pag-ulan sa buong araw. Hindi ko lang sigurado kung may bagyo nga pero mukhang meron nga. As I descended the stairs, I found Chiara engrossed in conversation on her cellphone, her brow furrowed in concern. Curiosity piqued, I approached her quietly, catching bits and pieces of her conversation.

"...Red, you need to postpone your flight. The weather's getting worse, and it's not safe to fly in this condition," Chiara's voice was laced with urgency as she spoke into the phone.

I smiled at the mention of Red and the concern in Chiara's tone.

"Yeah, just come and pick me up instead. It's better to be safe than sorry," Chiara continued, her tone firm but tinged with worry. "And sorry if I'm being extra needy today... Maybe it's just the pregnancy hormones acting up,"

I had no idea Chiara was pregnant. Her body didn't show any signs of it, at least not that I had noticed. Ngumiti ito nang malingunan ako tapos ay nagpaalam na kay Red.

"...Okay, see you later. And please, be careful," Chiara's voice softened as she ended the call, her gaze drifting to me as she pocketed her phone. "Good morning, Nicole,"

"Morning, Chi," sinuklian ko ang kaniyang ngiti. "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. I didn't realize you were pregnant."

Chiara's smile faltered slightly, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features. "It's still early stages, and I wanted to keep it quiet for now,"

"I understand," I replied gently, offering her a reassuring smile. "Anyway, congratulations!"

"Oh, thank you, darling." Chiara's expression softened. May sasabihin pa sana ito nang bigla siyang tawagin ni Roy mula sa hardin. She smiled softly at me. "Have your breakfast na, anong oras na! Pupuntahan ko lang sandali si Roy."

Tumango na lamang ako at pinanuod itong tunguhin ang kapatid.

"Mag almusal ka na," a voice spoke from behind, almost causing me to jump out of my skin.

I couldn't bring myself to look back, because I knew who it was. Even the mere sound of his voice sent shivers down my spine. Ganito na ba talaga kalala ang epekto niya sa akin?

"Nicole..." he called again, his voice trailing after me as I hurried into the dining room, refusing to acknowledge him.

Last night, I had made up my mind to expedite my work here so I could leave as soon as possible. The longer I stayed, the harder it became to think straight. It was all wrong. The closer he was to me, the less control I had over the intense feelings coursing through me.

And it wasn't healthy for me. I had never imagined myself in a situation like this, catering to the desires of a billionaire or anyone else. I was worth more than that. I was raised with high moral standards, but now? I couldn't even locate where they had gone. I had allowed someone I barely knew to touch and indulge me, and while I enjoyed it and even craved more, it wasn't right. I needed to stop the emergence of any new feelings I might have for Vince.

It was wrong.

Hindi dapat ganito at lalong hindi dapat na manatiling ganito.

As I sat down at the table, my mind raced with conflicting thoughts and emotions. I struggled to focus on my food, my appetite dwindling with each passing moment.

Vince's presence in the room only exacerbated my inner turmoil. I could feel his eyes on me, his gaze burning into my back as he watched me from afar. It was as though he could sense the internal struggle I was facing, the battle between what I knew was right and the undeniable attraction pulling me towards him. Kung bakit ba kasi nakilala ko pa siya!

But I refused to give in. I couldn't afford to let my guard down, not when my heart was already teetering on the edge of something dangerous and unknown.

So, I pushed aside my feelings, burying them deep within me as I forced myself to focus on the task at hand. I had a job to do, and I couldn't let anything—not even Vince—distract me from my goal.

As I picked at my food, I made a silent vow to myself: I would regain control over my emotions, no matter the cost. For my own sake, and for the sake of my sanity.

"Sumama ka sa'kin sa isla mamaya, Nicole." Vince's voice broke the silence, causing me to look up at him.

Isla? Anong isla? Bakit? Kailangan ba ako doon? Sa dami ng katanungan na iyon ay ni isa wala akong na satinig. "Puwede bang huwag na?" Sa halip na sabi ko, I met his gaze squarely. I hoped to keep my distance from him as much as possible, especially now that he was unsettling my sense of self.

He shook his head before turning away from me, a dismissive gesture that stung. It was as if my opinion didn't matter, as if I had no right to refuse.

You see? That man is insufferable! He acts as if his word is law, as if I have no right to object. Kaya lalong hindi ko maintindihan ang inaasta ko kapag siya ang kasama ko dahil nasisiguro ko naman na hindi ko siya gusto.

Kanina pa ako hindi mapalagay sa gustong mangyari ni Vince. Lalo nang tutulan ni Chiara ang balak niyang pagpunta sa kabilang isla upang kunin ang mga gamot para sa tatlong kabayong may sakit simula pa noong isang araw.

Nang marinig ko ang pangalan ng isla ay agad ko iyong hinanap sa Google, para naman kahit paano'y alam ko kung ano ang pupuntahan namin, lalo sa ganitong klase ng panahon. Mukhang wala kasing balak magpapigil si Vince.

Off the coast of a vast ocean lies Isla Verde. It's a remote and uninhabitable island, though small in size, holds an ominous reputation, especially during storm season when its tempestuous nature becomes most pronounced. With jagged cliffs rising from the turbulent waters and dense vegetation concealing treacherous terrain, Isla Verde is a place few dare to venture. Ang sabi pa ng iba ay lumulubog daw ang islang iyon kapag masama ang panahon, hindi ko nga lang alam kung gaano iyon katotoo.

Pero kahit hindi natitirahan ay napapakinabangan naman ang isla lalo para sa rancho ng mga De Salvo. The De Salvo ranch was situated on the mainland but surrounded by rugged landscapes and unpredictable weather, kaya malaking porsyento ng mga kakailanganin para sa maintenance ng rancho ay idini-deliver. Pero kapag ganitong masama ang panahon at hindi kinakaya ng chopper ang pag-akyat sa rancho ay sa Isla Verde inilalapag ang mga supply, cargo crates, wrapped in waterproof tarps, are offloaded onto the island's rocky shores, awaiting calmer skies and safer passage. Kukunin na iyon ng mga tauhan ng rancho kapag kumalma na ang panahon.

"Vince, ipagpabukas niyo na lang ang pagtungo sa Isla Verde," muling pigil sa amin ni Chiara, nagsimula na rin kasing umulan kaya mas nabalot ito ng pag-aalala. "The weather doesn't look promising, and you know how perilous that island can be during a storm. At nasa balita na may paparating na bagyo."

"Bakit ba natin kailangan pumunta roon, Vince?" I interjected, trying to understand the urgency of the situation.

"We need to retrieve the medication for the horses stranded on the shore before the heavy rain sets in," Vince explained calmly, his voice steady and resolute. "Three of the horses are ailing, and the vet couldn't reach the ranch due to the intense winds. The chopper couldn't brave the conditions, hindi na kayang paabutin ng bukas. Kailangan ng mga kabayo ang gamot."

"Red is already on his way here. He can check the horses. I guarantee he's more than capable. May rancho rin sa Monteguerro, hindi kasing lawak ng sa atin pero may mga kabayo si Red. Maaari niyang matulungan si Roy tignan at bantayan ang tatlong may sakit kahit hanggang sa may makatawid ng beterenaryo rito." Chi proposed, hoping to persuade Vince otherwise.

Vince shook his head, his expression firm and resolute. He must have noticed the fear in my eyes, for he turned to me and said, "You can stay here. It would be safer."

But Chiara panicked at his words. "You can't go alone, Vince!" she exclaimed, her voice rising with anxiety.

She's pregnant and shouldn't be all stressed out. Pero hindi ko rin naman siya mapipigilan kung mag-aalala siya para sa kapatid niyang matigas ang ulo.

I reached out and gently held Chiara's arm, trying to calm her down. "It's alright, Chi. We'll figure this out," I assured her, turning to Vince. "Sasama ako sa'yo."

Vince looked at me, his gaze intense and searching. He seemed to hesitate for a moment before finally nodding. "Alright, let's go."

Chi's frustration was palpable as she pleaded with Vince to reconsider. "Vince, why can't you just listen to me?"

In a moment of tenderness, Vince sighed and turned to Chi, gently cupping her face and wiping away the tears that had started to fall. "I promise, we'll be back bago pa tuluyang bumuhos ang ulan," he reassured her, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"Take care," Chi said softly, resigned to the fact that she couldn't stop Vince.

Ah, bahala na!

The yacht slowed to a halt as Vince guided it towards the shore. The rain had begun to fall, and the waves grew stronger by the minute. I glanced around, taking in the breathtaking beauty of the island, devoid of any human presence or structures. Anxiety crept over me as the yacht lurched suddenly.

Bago ko pa napigilan ay napatili na ako. "Vince!" I cried out, my heart pounding in my chest.

In an instant, Vince was by my side, carrying the supplies he had retrieved from the shore.

"Ayos ka lang?" Nag-aalala niyang tanong nang matitigan ako.

I nodded, but my gaze was fixed on the torrential rain outside. Through the window of the yacht, I could see the massive waves crashing against the vessel, threatening to overturn it. Bakit kasi hindi na lang siya nakinig kay Chiara kanina? Bakit kasi ipinilit pa niya? Ngayon, paano kami makakabalik nyan gayong bumuhos na ang malakas na ulan?

"Huwag ka ng mag-alala, uuwi na tayo," tahimik niyang sabi.

Uuwi? Paano naman namin 'yun gagawin? Eh, galit na galit nga maging ang karagatan. Para bang nakikipag-compete sa kalangitan. It would be even more dangerous to brave the angry sea. I hesitated, contemplating whether to voice my concerns to Vince. Mukhang wala pa naman siyang pinakikinggan.

Sinundan ko siya nang tunguhin niya ang cockpit. Bahala na kung 'di niya ako papakinggan, susubukan ko na lang rin siyang pigilan sa susunod na katangahang gagawin niya.

"Hindi ba mas delikado kung babalik tayo ngayon at susuungin ang ganyan kalalaking alon?" Tanong ko, pinagmamasdan ko siyang nagmamaniobra ng yate.

"It's dangerous here, Nicole. We have to go home," he replied, his tone firm and resolute

I sighed in frustration as the yacht rocked violently once again. Unable to contain my emotions, I turned to face Vince.

"Marunong ka bang makinig? Kahit minsan lang sa buhay mo, naranasan mo bang makinig?" Hindi ko na napigilang sabi. "Alam mo pala na delikadong ma-stranded tayo rito sa ganitong panahon. Bakit pinagpilitan mo pa? Bakit hindi ka nakinig kay Chiara nang pigilan ka niya kanina? Tapos ngayon, ano? Paano tayo uuwi? Sa tingin mo ba matatawid natin ang pabalik ng Soledad mula rito bago pa itaob ng alon ang yate na 'to? Mag-isip ka nga, Vince. Matalino ka naman. Kung gusto mong magpakamatay, sige, umuwi kang mag-isa!"

My words hung in the air, heavy with frustration and resentment. I watched as Vince's expression softened, perhaps realizing the gravity of the situation and the impact of his decisions on both of us. Hindi ko babawiin ang mga sinabi ko dahil totoo naman ang lahat ng iyon. It was his fault we were stuck here!

Vince didn't utter a word in response to my outburst, but I observed as he anchored the yacht as securely as possible by the shore. Despite the relentless downpour, he paid no heed to the rain drenching him, staying outside for a while longer to ensure the yacht was docked safely and wouldn't easily overturn.

Nang medyo magtagal pa siya sa labas ay nag-alala na ako kaya sinilip ko na siya. Baka mamaya ay siya naman ang magkasakit from being exposed to the elements for too long. "Vince! Halika na, bumalik ka na dito."

Sandali na naman siyang nakipagmatigasan sa akin ng tingin, but then, he complied, his body dripping with water as he entered the cabin. With swift movements, he tore off his shirt, revealing his toned physique glistening with raindrops. My gaze involuntarily drifted towards him, captivated by the sight. His broad shoulders and chiseled chest elicited a tumult of conflicting emotions within me.

Seryoso ka ba, Nicole? Ni hindi mo nga alam kung buhay ka pa mamaya tapos uunahin mo pa ang kalandian mo?

I quickly averted my eyes, chastising myself for succumbing to such thoughts. This wasn't the time nor the place for such distractions. We were in the midst of a crisis, and I needed to focus on finding a solution, not indulging in trivial matters like physical attraction.

"Are you okay?" I asked, mustering a tone of concern as I handed him a towel to dry himself off. Nakuha ko iyon mula sa isa sa mga cabinet, mabuti na lang rin at well-equiped ang yate. But despite the luxury surrounding us, we were still at the mercy of the storm raging outside. Wala pa rin syempreng kasiguraduhan ang kaligtasan namin.

Vince accepted the towel with a nod of gratitude, his movements deliberate as he dried himself off. As he did so, he attempted to check his phone for any signal, his brows furrowing in frustration.

"There's no signal," I informed him, a sense of unease settling over me at the thought of being completely cut off from the outside world in the midst of a storm.

Vince sighed, his expression mirroring my own concern. "Damn," he muttered, tossing his phone to the nearest seat. "We'll have to wait it out and hope for the best."

I nodded in agreement, glancing around the yacht's interior once more. Despite the turbulent conditions outside, I couldn't deny the comfort provided by our surroundings. The yacht was spacious and well-appointed, with plush furnishings and modern amenities that offered a semblance of refuge from the storm.

But even amidst the luxury, the incessant rocking of the yacht served as a stark reminder of our vulnerability. Each jolt sent a shiver down my spine, a sobering reminder of the forces of nature we were up against.

"We should secure everything," I suggested, my voice tinged with urgency as I gestured towards the scattered items around us. "Make sure nothing gets damaged or lost in case the storm worsens. Mahihirapan tayo lalo kung sakali."

Vince nodded in agreement, his movements purposeful as he began to stow away loose items and secure any loose fittings. Nang matapos ay pabagsak kaming naupo sa mahabang seate, tahimik na pinakikinggan lamang ang galit na galit na bagyo sa labas.

Sinubukan niya kanina ang radyo, pero maging iyon ay walang signal na nasasagap.

I found myself staring out of the window, watching as the rain lashed against the glass with relentless fury. The wind howled, and the waves crashed against the yacht, each one a reminder of the perilous situation we were in.

Suddenly, Vince's voice broke through the silence, causing me to turn towards him. His expression was sincere as he spoke, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for my earlier outburst.

"I'm sorry for bringing you here," he said softly, his voice tinged with regret.

I sighed, feeling the tension in my shoulders ease slightly. "It's okay," I replied, offering him a small, understanding smile. "We're in this together now. All we can do is pray for the situation to improve."

Turning back to the window, I found myself at a loss for words. All we could do now was pray for the situation to improve. The storm showed no signs of abating, and the uncertainty of our circumstances weighed heavily on my mind.

Vince must have sensed my unease because he spoke up again, his voice calm but firm. "During storms like this, the temperature on the island decreases to dangerous levels," he explained. "It can lead to hypothermia, which is why it's uninhabitable during such conditions."

I felt a chill run down my spine at his words, the gravity of our situation sinking in even further. Hypothermia was a serious concern, especially if we were stranded on the island for an extended period of time. We could die here!

"What do we do then?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper as I turned to Vince.

"We wait it out," he said firmly. "We'll keep monitoring the situation and wait for the storm to pass. Once it's safe, we'll make our way back home."

Wait it out. Sure, dahil wala naman kaming ibang magagawa pa sa ngayon kundi ang maghintay.

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